Abstract: A method and apparatus for invasive medical procedures uses a tool that includes an operative portion and a stem having a distal end attached to a proximal end of the operative portion and a proximal end configured to be held outside a subject during the invasive medical action. The tool can include a recess along the stem and a viewport. The recess is configured to removably engage an electromagnetic tracking system component comprising an electromagnetic sensor and an insulated electrical wire connected to the electromagnetic sensor. The viewport is configured to reveal a portion of the recess where the electromagnetic sensor is to be disposed. Alternatively, a frame is rigidly and removably attached to a proximal portion of the tool. The frame is also rigidly attached to electromagnetic tracking sensor suite that provides position and orientation of the frame with six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for disposable medical sensors that can be used for the detection of cerebral spinal fluid. In one example, a medical sensing system includes a disposable sensing unit comprising a functionalized sensing area disposed between electrodes; and a portable sensing unit analyzer including pulse generation circuitry that can generate synchronized gate and drain pulses and a transistor with a gate electrically coupled to one electrode. A gate pulse output of the pulse generation circuitry is electrically coupled to a second electrode and a drain pulse output is electrically coupled to a drain of the transistor. In another example, a method includes providing a sample to a functionalized sensing area, generating synchronized gate and drain pulses for a transistor, the gate pulse provided via the electrodes and functionalized sensing area, and sensing an output of the transistor that is a function of a target concentration of the sample.

Abstract: Devices for imparting vibration to implanted devices to reduce accumulation of biofilm thereon including a vibration tip, the vibration tip being sized and shaped to couple to a vibrator and receive a vibration therefrom, wherein the vibration tip is sized and shaped to conduct the vibration from the vibrator to an implanted device are disclosed. Methods of inhibiting biofilm formation including abutting a vibration source against an implanted device, and activating the vibration source to impart vibration to the implanted device thereby inhibiting a formation of biofilm on the implanted device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Suction devices are disclosed comprising a side wall defining a lumen, an open proximal end sized to provide coupling to a suction source, a distal wall opposite the open proximal end, the distal wall at least partially occluding the lumen, the side wall extending between the proximal end and the distal wall, a plurality of vent holes in communication with the lumen defined in the side wall, and at least one vent hole in communication with the lumen defined in the distal wall. Also disclosed are methods and additional suction devices.

Abstract: Devices for imparting vibration to implanted devices to reduce accumulation of biofilm thereon including a vibration tip, the vibration tip being sized and shaped to couple to a vibrator and receive a vibration therefrom, wherein the vibration tip is sized and shaped to conduct the vibration from the vibrator to an implanted device are disclosed. Methods of inhibiting biofilm formation including abutting a vibration source against an implanted device, and activating the vibration source to impart vibration to the implanted device thereby inhibiting a formation of biofilm on the implanted device are also disclosed.